Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers Will Miss Rock Hall Induction Due to Health Concerns
Paul Rodgers, the legendary vocalist of Bad Company, announced today he will not attend the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this Saturday in Los Angeles, citing health concerns.
Rodgers, 75, released a statement via social media explaining his decision. “My hope was to be at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and to perform for the fans, but at this time I have to prioritize my health. I have no problem singing, it’s the stress of everything else,” he wrote. He added that drummer Simon Kirke will be joined by “some outstanding musicians” to perform in his place, promising a performance that will “guaranteed to rock.” This decision comes after Rodgers suffered strokes in both 2016 and 2019, requiring a carotid endarterectomy to improve blood flow to the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Bad Company, who influenced generations of rock musicians, is being inducted after being eligible since 1999. Drummer Simon Kirke recently shared his relief about the long-awaited recognition, stating, “We’re very pleased. We’re very honored. Quite honestly, I think it’s about time,” in an interview with Defenders Of The Faith. The induction is particularly poignant as guitarist Mick Ralphs, who passed away earlier this year, learned of the honor shortly before his death. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction is a significant milestone for a band’s legacy, often leading to renewed interest and appreciation from fans.
The ceremony, which will also honor Soundgarden, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, and The White Stripes, will stream live on Disney+ and will later air on ABC. Kirke previously suggested that the band’s multiple lineups over the years had complicated their path to induction, noting internal discussions about potentially honoring different iterations of the band, similar to The Faces and The Small Faces.
Officials stated that Kirke and the assembled musicians are prepared to deliver a powerful performance in Rodgers’ absence, and the induction ceremony will proceed as planned.
